MANGOSIO LOHNER

He exemplifies what male modeling should be about in Second Life: A unique model with exceptional style and skills who always carry himself with humility and professionalism. You can recognize him anywhere in the crowd due to his distinctive avatar and fantastic personality. He is one of SuperElite Agency’s Model Trainer and have mentored many of today’s Top Models in the fashion industry. He graced many exciting runway shows and is represented by Top SL agencies which include:

Q. Please tell us about yourself and what you consider your defining characteristics as a model that makes you unique and recognizable from the rest.

ML: Well I’m not the prototypical “rough-hewn” type male model. That archetype is already well established and well represented by many others. I believe my overall appearance is unique in itself and that my personality, which is a little less obvious than most, means I’m not someone who likes to be the center of attention in that way, but like to let my styling and creativity with designers clothes, speak for itself.

Q. What is your view of SL Fashion and how did you venture into the modelling industry?

ML: Around March or April of 2008 I learned Metro Models was casting for male models, so I sent in pictures and advanced to the interview stage, not bad considering at that time I was on the grid only a few months. Upon arriving at my interview however I quickly realized I had no chance. Everyone else just looked much more polished than me and I also had no idea how to cope with the simple runway components. Anyway that experience was quite an eye-opener and I immediately decided that I had better get a proper education. In July I began taking classes at EFA and from there I was off and running.

Now is a glorious time to model the male form. Quality men’s offerings are coming thick and fast from all directions, all styles, all the time. In turn there are more and more modeling opportunities for men out there.

Q. What are some of your accomplishments within the modelling industry and describe what would be one of the most defining moments of your modelling career?

ML: I feel my biggest accomplishment was being appointed to teach at SuperElite Fashion Academy last year. I enjoy this job very much and seeing a student glowing after their graduation show makes the energy and effort I put in worthwhile. It’s even more gratifying to see them grow into highly successful models. \m/

Most defining moment? I would have to say it was the Art in Motion show for SE. Big time models, fantastic build, unique choreography…and it was my second show ever. I thank Yasmine Kidd a lot for taking a chance on me.

Q. You have certainly established yourself well within the modelling industry. Please tell us what you believe are the essential elements to being a successful model. Do you have any advice for aspiring models?

ML: Well first off refer to Kay Fairey’s take on this question. It’s pretty much spot on.

I would add that extra skill sets are very helpful. The queue for the runway or photo studio is very long and very competitive, but there are other ways to prove your worthiness, commitment, and reliability. If you can build, offer to help create the runway. If you can write, offer to help prepare the show script. If you can take quality pictures, show your potential clients what you are capable of through flickr or by other means. And so on.

So don’t limit yourself to just strictly the modeling craft. The fashion community is large and there’s always something that needs done.

Q. What do you like and dislike about modelling?

ML: I really enjoy the technical side of preparing for a show and of course the show itself, the set of challenges each of these bring and the rush and frustration you feel. That never gets old. And of course the content that designers bring to us and how it can challenge my sensibilities and approach.

What I don’t like is how competition in castings or contests can get out of control. I wish it wasn’t like that. Our time in SL should be fun!

Q. What motivates you to be a model? Who inspires you the most and what is your inspiration?

ML: Styling is what is keeping me here. This part of you evolves and changes over time and becomes more addictive with each new release. It’s exciting to conceive, build, and then present a new look.

That being said I greatly admire works from Jarl Soderstom, Boe Cortes, and Tact Arida. Their styling ranges and looks are beyond anything I can dream of and their photography is not bad, to put it mildly.

Q. Your partner Amber Quinzet is also a model here in SL. How does it affect your relationship and is there a competition between you and her?

ML: No, there never really was any competition between us. In fact it’s really fantastic that we’ve managed to strike a good balance between our commitments here on SL and to each other. Our relationship, in whatever we do together, has always been one of love, support, and honesty.

Q. What are your plans for the future? Any future shows or projects we can look forward to?

ML: I would like to thank the CSLTM team for inviting me. It was an absolute honor to be considered for this interview. I hope I have offered some insights and to all the aspiring models out there, good luck and my door is always open.

Thank You So Much to Mangosio Lohner for sharing his experiences and tips with the readers in this interview. We wish him the best in his career. Please leave some comments for him. =)